Jobless number falls again

UNEMPLOYMENT in Macclesfield has dropped again – bucking the national trend.

Official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show 483 people claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) in July.

During the same period last year unemployment was at 917.

This is a significant fall from the height of the recession in 2009 when unemployment was at 1,700.

There is also more good news for the next generation of workers.

The number of young people, which includes those aged 18-24, claiming support remains at 55. At the same time last year 200 young people were claiming JSA.

The national UK unemployment total rose for the second consecutive month.

Colin Billingsley manager at Jobcentre Plus in Macclesfield, said: “We are delighted at the fall in unemployment, particularly in terms of younger people.

“Our team are trying hard to focus on boosting those CVs with work experience so they have that edge in a job interview.

“We have also introduced work coaches, so everyone who comes through our door has a single point of contact.”